Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Back to School Safety Tips
Students across New Jersey are returning to school this week, which means everyone needs to take extra care when driving and walking. It’s critical that everyone obey the laws, adhere to traffic signs and listen to crossing guards.
Drivers should obey speed limits and slow down, especially in school zones, which have lower speeds.
If a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk, an intersection or near a school, do not pass it. The driver is likely allowing people to cross. Drivers must stop for people walking in marked crosswalks and at intersections, it’s the law. Every intersection has a crosswalk, even if it is not marked. Always yield to people crossing before turning at a stop sign or a traffic light.
Drivers are also legally required to stop for school buses with extended stop signs and flashing lights. Leave plenty of room for students to cross and safety enter and exit the bus.
People walking should look both ways before stepping into the road and use marked crosswalks when possible. If there are no marked crosswalks, cross at intersections or with a crossing guard. Do not cross between parked vehicles, which can make it difficult for drivers to see people trying to cross.
Pedestrians need to adhere to traffic signals too and should wait for the walk sign or green light before crossing at a signalized intersection.
It’s also safer to walk on sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic so that you can see approaching vehicles.
And everyone should avoid distractions, whether driving or walking.
Drive Smart, Walk Smart and Be Street Smart. Together we can make New Jersey’s roads safer for everyone.
Are you Street Smart? We partnered with the New Jersey Devils to help remind everyone to be safe. Check out these tips from Ken Daneyko and NJ: